EBFFL RULES
We reserve the right to reduce the number of games due to unforeseen circumstances.
Team member must always carry a copy of the rules with them to all games. All players must carry I.D. for roster check. Players without I.D. will not be allowed to play. After week #4 there will be no roster changes allowed.
Both playing teams are required to pay the refs $5.00 per game per team. If a team doesn't pay the ref BEFORE the game, they will not be allowed to play and forfeit the game to the other team.
Both teams are required to enter and leave the field on the same side during the whole game. Player entering or leaving the opposite side of field will receive a 10 yard penalty for his team.
A coin toss determines first or 2nd half possession. The team that wins the toss chooses either to begin the first half with possession of the ball or defer to have possession first in the second half.
Team area is no closer than five yards away from goal line.
The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has (3) plays to cross mid-field.
Once a team crosses mid-field, they will have three (3) plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team take over on their 5-yard line.
If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field, possession of the ball changes and the opposite team starts their drive from their 5-yard line.
Interceptions can be returned and the team that intercepts the ball will have offensive possession where ever his flag is pulled when he intercepts the ball.
(2) 11 minute half’s running time, At the 1 Minute Warning Clock stops only on out of Bounds, incompletion, and scores.
Time the ball is spotted a team has: 25 seconds to snap the ball.
There is only 1 timeout per game.
Safety starts on the 5 yard line.
PLAYERS\GAME SCHEDULE
Teams must field a min of three players at all times. Teams consist of 8 players (4 on field)
If the 6:35pm team is more than 10 minutes late for their scheduled game, then it will be forfeited to the other team.
CLOTHING
Players must wear pants, shorts or shirts that don’t have pockets in them. Baseball Caps are allowed, but they must be turned backwards.
Shirts must match color and be tucked in.
Jewelry is allowed, but no rings on fingers.
No metal cleats.
Mouth pieces are not required, but are recommended.
All players must use E.B.F.F.L. flags only. Other flags will not be allowed.
SCORING
Games are played two halves of 11 minutes. Highest score at end of regulation wins
Mercy Rule (At any time if a team is winning by 28 points, game is over).
Touchdown=six points, extra point= (5 yards out), 2 (12 yards out), Safety=2 points.
Extra Points can be returned by the Defense for 2 points at any distance.
Interceptions can be returned for touchdowns
OVERTIME
If the teams are tied at the end of 24 minutes, teams move directly into overtime.
Coin toss determines possession in each overtime.
Each team receives one offensive play. 5 yards-1 point, 12 yards-2 points.
If the teams are tied again, overtime repeats.
RUNNING
The QB cannot run the ball.
Only direct hand-offs behind the line of scrimmage are legal. Offense can only use one handoff per play.
The player who takes the hand-off can throw the ball as long as he does not pass the line of scrimmage.
There are absolutely no laterals or pitches of any kind.
No runs zones" are located 5-yards before mid-field and 5-yards before the end zone in each offensive direction
Spinning is allowed but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defense player (no diving)
The ball is spotted where the ball carriers belt is when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
RECEIVING
All players are eligible to receive passes.
Player must have two feet in bounds when making a catch.
One player is allowed in motion.
PASSING
All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.
QB has a: 7 second "pass clock". If the pass is not thrown within the: 7 seconds, play is dead, loss of down,
Ball returns to line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second clock is dead.
DEADBALLS
Ball must be snapped between legs, not off to one side.
Play is dead when:
Ball carriers flag is pulled.
Ball carrier steps out of bounds
Touchdown is scored
Ball carriers flag falls out-one hand touch
Ball carriers knee hits the ground
No fumbles, ball is spotted where it hits the ground.
Anytime ball touches the ground, it’s dead.
RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK
All players that rush the QB must be 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
Players not rushing the QB may defend 1 yard from the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball has been handed off the 7 yard rule is no longer in effect and all defenders are eligible to rush.
A special marker, or the referee, will designate 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.
PENALTIES
The referee will call all penalties.
Defense:
Offside: 10 yds
Pass Interference: Spot of Foul & 1st down
Simulating the snap count - 10 yards and 1st down
Illegal contact (bump and run, blocking, etc.): 10 yards & First down
Holding: 10 yards at end of run &1st down
Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball): 10 yards&1st down
Illegal rushing (start rush from inside 7 yard marker): 10 yds & 1st down.
Defender must hand flag back to ball carrier - 10yd penalty.
Slapping the ball out of the offensive player's hands after the offensive player has obtained possession and made a football move. The referee will have a judgment call on this rule. - 10 yds from spot of foul and 1st down.
Offense:
Illegal Motion (more than 1 person moving, false start, motion, etc.): 10 yds and repeat down
Illegal Forward Pass (Pass received behind line of scrimmage): 10 yds, loss of down
Impeding the rush, loss of down & 10 yds.
Offensive pass interference (Illegal picks play, pushing off/away defender): Loss of Down, 10 yds.
Flag Guarding: 10 yds (from point of infraction) and loss of down
Delay of game: clock will stop, 10 yd and loss of down.
Screening (Impeding the rush)-10yds and loss of Down
Snapping the ball before referees are set (wait for the ready whistle)-10yd loss of down.
Referees determine incidental contact, which may result from normal run of play!
Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretation. Players cannot question judgment call.
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.
SPORTMANSHIP/ROUGHING
If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or another unsportsmanlike act then the game will be stopped & the player can be ejected from the game. Trash talking and cursing at the ref is illegal and will result in a warning and a penalty. If it happens for a second time during the game by the same player, that player will be ejected from the game.
FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!!!
East Bay Flag reserves the right to reduce, shorten, or reschedule games due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. All Players are required to have I.D. or proof of age.
